Recloseable side-gusseted package

ABSTRACT

A recloseable package comprises a package body having a front package panel and a rear package panel, and a pair of inwardly extending, full-length side gussets which join the front and rear package panels. The present package further includes a recloseable fastener assembly, comprising first and second mating components, wherein the fastener assembly is joined to the rear package panel by the first mating component of the assembly. By this arrangement, the contents can be placed in the package through the open mouth, which is facilitated by the provision of full-length gussets. Thereafter, the package can be closed and sealed, by which the second mating component of the fastener assembly is joined to the front package panel in a region between the inwardly extending side gussets of the package, and to the surfaces of the side gussets adjacent the rear package panel. The package includes an upper, removable portion for accessing the fastener assembly and package contents. The removable portion defines a plurality of openings in the inwardly extending side gussets to facilitate heat-sealing of the front package panel to the rear package panel through the plurality of openings. Heat-sealing in this fashion enhances the aesthetics of the package and creates a finger-grip region at the top of each of the side gussets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Provisional Ser. No. 62/859,809, filed Jun. 11, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packages formed from polymeric film material and the like, and more particularly to a recloseable, side-gusseted package having a recloseable fastener assembly positioned beneath a removable portion of the package, with the fastener assembly facilitating reclosing of the package after it is opened by removal of the removable portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polymeric film packages are used for all manner of packaging applications by virtue of their cost-effective and versatile use. A typical film package comprises front and rear package panels, and may include inwardly extending side gussets which provide desired package volume and stability.

Heretofore, it has been recognized that filling of each individual package is greatly facilitated by providing an open mouth having a relatively large area. As such, fully gusseted packages, wherein the gussets extend the full length of the package, can typically be filled much more efficiently than those packages with terminated side gussets.

A desirable feature of a film package is an arrangement which permits the package to be reclosed after initial opening. While suitable fastener arrangements are known to facilitate reclosing, including hook-and-loop, profile strip, and “unisex” mechanical fasteners, as well as adhesive fasteners, use of such of fasteners on side-gusseted packages can be difficult to implement.

The present invention is directed to a fully side-gusseted, recloseable package which can be efficiently filled, conveniently handled, and readily and conveniently reclosed after the package in initially opened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A recloseable package embodying the principles of the present invention is desirably configured to include full-length gussets to facilitate package filling, by virtue of the relatively large open mouth defined by package. A recloseable fastener assembly is provided to facilitate conveniently reclosing the package after initial opening.

The package can be conveniently opened and manipulated for accessing or dispensing the contents, such as by pouring directly from the package. Use for comminuted products, such as pet food, cat litter, bird seed, or the like, is contemplated. Notably, the package includes an arrangement of openings in the package gussets to facilitate sealing front and rear package panels to each other at the upper corners of the package, presenting a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance, while also providing “finger grip” regions at the top of the gussets for conveniently handling the package.

A recloseable fully side-gusseted package embodying the principles of the present invention comprises a package body having a front package panel and a rear package panel. The package body further includes a pair of inwardly extending side gussets which join respective lateral edges of the front and rear package panels.

The present package further includes a recloseable fastener assembly comprising inter-engaged, first and second mating components, such as comprising a profile-strip “zipper” assembly, a hook-and-loop or “unisex” mechanical fastener, or an adhesive fastener. In the present package, the recloseable fastener assembly is joined to the rear package panel by the first mating component of the assembly.

The fastener assembly is preferably configured to avoid damage of the cooperating mechanical mating components, such as the profile “zipper” elements, the hook-and-loop elements, or similar “teeth”, attendant to package formation. At least the second component of the fastener assembly, which is heat-sealed attendant to package filling, can include an additional sealant layer which initiates at a relatively lower temperature to avoid melting or other deformation of the cooperating mechanical features, while facilitating heat-sealing integration with the package. Additionally, fastener arrangements are known wherein components or layers exhibit differential heat-sealing characteristics to facilitate sealing of flange portions or the like, while avoiding sealing or deformation of inter-engaging mechanical components. Some fastener elements include so-called “grips strips” comprising ridges or the like to facilitate manipulation of the fastener, which grip strips can act to separate mating components during heat-sealing to prevent unintended joining of the components to each other.

In accordance with the present invention, the package body includes an upper, removable portion which extends above the fastener assembly to thereby define an open mouth of the package for placing contents therein.

By this arrangement, the contents can be placed in package through the open mouth, typically by automated filling equipment. Thereafter, the package can be closed and sealed, by which the second mating component of the fastener assembly is joined to the front package panel in a region between the inwardly extending side gussets of the package, and to the surfaces of the side gussets adjacent the rear package panel.

In the preferred embodiment, the removable portion of the package body defines a plurality of notch-like openings at the upper edges of the inwardly extending side gussets, to thereby facilitate heat-sealing of the front package panel to the rear package panel through the plurality of openings. The present invention contemplates that as the package 10 is closed and sealed at the open mouth thereof, heat-sealing of the front package panel 12 to the rear package panel 14 is effected through this plurality of openings 26. This desirably enhances the aesthetics of the package, and creates convenient “finger-grip” regions generally within the top of each gusset.

Subsequently, the package can be opening by removal of the upper, removable portion of package body, and the first and second mating fastener components thereafter separated to allow access to the contents of the package. The package contents can thereafter be poured, scooped, spooned, or otherwise dispensed from the package. The package can then be reclosed by joining the first and second mating components to each other along the lengths of the components. The package body may comprise a frangible portion, such as comprising laser scoring, to facilitate separation and removal of the upper, removable portion of the package.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, front elevational view of a rear package panel of a reclosable, side-gusseted package embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary perspective view of the present reclosable package prior to filling;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a recloseable fastener assembly of the type can be used in the package of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary perspective view of the present recloseable package, shown subsequent to filling and sealing, but prior to opening of the package; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary perspective view of the present recloseable package, shown after the package has been opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

A recloseable, fully side-gusseted package 10 embodying the principles of the present invention comprises a package body having a front package panel 12 and a rear package panel 14. The package body further includes a pair of inwardly extending, full length side gussets 16 which join respective lateral edges of the front and rear package panels 12, 14.

The present package further includes a recloseable fastener assembly 20 comprising first and second mating components 21, 22, such as comprising a profile-strip “zipper” mechanical fastener, a hook-and-loop or “unisex” mechanical fastener, or an adhesive fastener. In the present package, the recloseable fastener assembly 20 is joined, such as by heat-sealing, to the rear package panel by the first mating component 21 of the assembly. Ends of the first and second mating components can be “crushed”, or deformed such as by the application of heat, or otherwise secured to each other, to maintain the components in position to cooperate with each other to facilitate reclosing of the package 10 after it is initially opened.

The fastener assembly 20 is preferably configured to avoid damage of the cooperating mechanical mating components, such as the profile elements, the hook-and-loop elements, or similar “teeth”, attendant to package formation. At least the second component 22 of the fastener assembly 20, which is heat-sealed attendant to package filling, can optionally include an additional sealant layer which initiates at a relatively lower temperature to avoid melting or other deformation of the cooperating mechanical features, while facilitating heat-sealing integration with the package 10. Such a sealant can be provided as a co-extrusion on the second mating component 22, as beads provided on second component 22, or in other suitable forms.

In accordance with the present invention, the package body includes an upper, removable portion 24 which extends above the fastener assembly 20 to thereby define an open mouth of the package 10 for placing contents therein.

By this arrangement, the contents can be placed in package 10 through the open mouth, typically by automated filling equipment. Thereafter, the package 10 can be closed and sealed, by which the second mating component 21 of the fastener assembly 20 is joined to the front package panel 12 in a region between the inwardly extending side gussets 16 of the package 10, and to the rearwardly-facing surfaces of the side gussets 16 adjacent the rear package panel 14.

Typically, the package 10 is formed from polymeric material which may comprising a laminate comprised of materials which exhibit differing melting characteristics. As such, inner surfaces of the package body are heat-sealable to each other at typical temperatures associated with package filling and sealing, such as on the order of 450 degrees F. In contrast, the outer surfaces of the package, including the outer surfaces of side gussets 16, do not heat-seal or fuse to each other at such typical sealing temperatures.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the removable portion 24 of the package body defines a plurality of notch-like openings 26 in the inwardly extending side gussets 16. As noted, ordinarily the outside surfaces of the gussets 16 do not heat-seal to each other. The openings 26 facilitate heat-sealing of the front package panel 12 to the rear package panel 14 through the plurality of openings at the side gussets while the open mouth of the package is closed and sealed. This desirably acts to integrate and seal the upper portion of the package, and avoids undesired folding or “dog-earing” of upper corners of the package at which the side gussets 16 are heat-sealed to the front and rear package panels 12, 14, particularly at the regions at which the side gussets are sealed to the front package panel, which are not rigidified by the fastener assembly 20 extending between the rear package panel 14 and the rear surfaces of the gussets 16. Experience has shown that the presence of folded or dog-eared package corners undesirably detracts from the aesthetics of the package.

Additionally, formation of the a seal joining the front and rear package panel at each of the side gussets 16 creates a “finger grab” or gripping region within each gusset beneath the seal joining the package panel (i.e., beneath the openings 26) so the package can be conveniently lifted and carried at each side gusset. While openings 26 are illustrated as being provided at the upper edges of the gussets 16, a similar seal can be formed by providing openings which extend through the gussets beneath the upper edges thereof.

Subsequently, the package 10 can be opening by removal of the upper, removable portion 24 of package body. Thereafter, the first and second mating fastener components 21, 22 can be separated to allow access to the contents of the package. The package can then be reclosed as desired by joining the first and second mating components 21, 22 to each other along the lengths of the components.

If desired, removal of the upper, removable portion 24 can be facilitated by configuring the package body to define a frangible portion 28 beneath said upper, removable portion. Such a frangible portion may comprise a preferentially-weakened region, such a formed by laser-scoring or the like, with at least one tear notch 29 provided adjacent to the laser scoring to facilitate tearing and separation of the removable portion 24. Use of laser scoring, as opposed to a frangible portion comprising perforations, desirably preserves the hermetic sealing of the package 10. If desired, rather than a frangible region, the removable portion 24 of the package can be provided with suitable indicia to indicate the appropriate region for cutting the removable portion such as with scissors or the like.

Thus, a method of filling packages in accordance with the present invention contemplates providing a package 10, comprising a package body having a front package panel 12 and a rear package panel 14, and a pair of inwardly extending side gussets 16 joining respective lateral edges of said front and rear package panels. The package 10 further comprises a recloseable fastener assembly 20 comprising first and second mating components 21, 22, wherein the recloseable fastener assembly 20 is joined to said rear package 14 panel by first mating component 21.

In accordance with the present invention, the package body includes a removable portion 24 extending above the fastener assembly 20 to define an open mouth for placing contents in the package.

The present method next contemplates placing the desired contents in the package 10 by filling the package through the open mouth defined by the package body. As noted, package filling is greatly facilitated since the package can be opened to its maximum size, since the full-length package gussets extend the length of the package, and are not terminated, or otherwise closed at the top of the package. FIG. 2 shows package 10 is a condition for filling through the open mouth of the package.

After contents have been placed in the package 10 through the open mouth, the second mating component 22 of the fastener assembly 20 can be joined, by heat-sealing, to the front package panel 12, in a region between the inwardly extending side gussets 16, and to the inwardly extending gussets 16. This is preferably effected at a first, transverse seal region, formed by a first seal bar, during package filling and sealing. Sealing devices, such as a Syntegon Doboy sealing apparatus, can be employed. FIG. 4 shows package 10 in a filled and sealed condition.

As noted, in accordance with the preferred practice of the present method, the package 10 is configured such that the upper, removable portion of the package body defines the plurality of openings 26 in the inwardly extending side gussets 16. The present method contemplates that as the package 10 is closed and sealed at the open mouth thereof, heat-sealing of the front package panel 12 to the rear package panel 14 is effected through this plurality of openings 26. It is contemplated this can be effected at a second, transverse seal region, by a second seal bar. The first and second seal regions can be formed simultaneously, as may be desired.

Thereafter, the package can be opened by removal of the upper removable portion 24 of the package body, followed by separation of the first and second mating components 21, 22 of the fastener assembly 20; see FIG. 5. The contents of the package can then be accessed, and easily poured or otherwise dispensed from the package, if desired. After removal of some of the package contents, the package can be reclosed by joining the first and second mating components 21, 22 of the fastener assembly.

the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. 

1. A recloseable side-gusseted package (10), comprising: a package body having a front package panel (12) and a rear package panel (14), and a pair of inwardly extending side gussets (16) joining respective lateral edges of said front and rear package panels, and a recloseable fastener assembly (20) comprising first and second mating components, wherein said recloseable fastener assembly (20) is joined to said rear package (14) panel by said first mating component, said package body including a removal portion (24) extending above said fastener assembly (20) to define an open mouth for placing contents in said package, so that after contents have been placed in said package (10) through said open mouth, said second mating component of said fastener assembly (20) can be joined to said front package panel (12) in a region between said inwardly extending side gussets (16), and to said inwardly extending gussets (16), so that by removal of said upper removable portion of said package body, the package can be opened by separation of said first and second mating components, and reclosed by joining said first and second mating components.
 2. A recloseable side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said removable portion of said package body defines a plurality of openings (26) in said inwardly extending side gussets to facilitate heat sealing of said front package panel to said rear package panel through said plurality of openings.
 3. A recloseable side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 2, wherein said plurality of openings are provided at upper edge portions of said inwardly extending gussets.
 4. A recloseable side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said package body defines a frangible portion beneath said upper, removable portion.
 5. A recloseable side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 4, wherein said frangible portion comprises laser scoring, and at least one tear notch adjacent said laser scoring.
 6. A recloseable side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 4, wherein said second mating component of said fastener assembly includes a sealant to facilitate heat-sealing of said second mating component to said front package panel and said inwardly extending side gussets
 7. A method of filling a side-gusseted package configured in accordance with claim 2, comprising steps of: filling the package through the open mouth defined by the package body; joining the second mating component of the fastener assembly to the front package panel, in a region between the inwardly extending side gussets, and to the inwardly extending gussets, at a first seal region, and heat-sealing the package at the open mouth to close and seal the package, including, heat-sealing the front package panel to the rear package panel through said plurality of openings at a second seal region, so that the package can be opened by removal of the upper removable portion of the package body, followed by separation of the first and second mating components of the fastener assembly, and can be reclosed by joining the first and second mating components of the fastener assembly.
 8. A method of filling a side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 7, including forming said first and second seal regions simultaneously.
 9. A method of filling a side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 7, including providing said second mating component of said fastener assembly with a sealant to facilitate joining said second mating component to said front package panel and said inwardly extending side gussets at said second seal region.
 10. A recloseable side-gusseted package (10), comprising: a package body having a front package panel (12) and a rear package panel (14), and a pair of inwardly extending side gussets (16) joining respective lateral edges of said front and rear package panels, and a recloseable fastener assembly (20) comprising first and second mating components, wherein said recloseable fastener assembly (20) is joined to said rear package (14) panel by said first mating component at a first seal region, said package body including a removable portion (24) extending above said fastener assembly (20) to define an open mouth for placing contents in said package, said removable portion defining a plurality of openings (26) provided at upper edge portions of said inwardly extending gussets to facilitate heat-sealing of said front package panel to said rear package panel through said plurality of openings at a second seal region, to create finger-grip regions within said gussets beneath said openings, so that after contents have been placed in said package (10) through said open mouth, said second mating component of said fastener assembly (20) can be joined by heat-sealing to said front package panel (12) in a region between said inwardly extending side gussets (16), and to said inwardly extending gussets (16), so that by removal of said upper removable portion of said package body, the package can be opened by separation of said first and second mating components, and reclosed by joining said first and second mating components.
 11. A recloseable side-gusseted package in accordance with claim 10, wherein said second mating component of said fastener assembly comprises a sealant to facilitate joining said second mating component to said front package panel and to said inwardly extending side gussets at said second seal region. 